The 2016 Nissan Leaf electric car will offer a choice of two different battery sizes, with a new larger 30-kilowatt-hour pack giving an EPA-rated range of 107 miles on the mid-level SV model and the top SL trim level.

The new 107-mile Leaf models will cost $35,050 for the Leaf SV (up from $32,950 last year) and $37,640 for the Leaf SL (up from $35,970).

The base Leaf S model will stick with the current 24-kWh pack, rated at 84 miles of range; its price remains unchanged at $28,060. (All prices include a mandatory $850 delivery charge.)

The higher-capacity battery gives the 2016 Leaf the longest range of any electric car on the market except for those from Tesla, which start at $70,000 and can total as much as $130,000 for the highest-end versions.

The new 30-kWh battery pack occupies the same size and footprint as the existing 24-kWh pack, and weighs 46 pounds more.

The efficiency rating of the longer-range Leaf falls only slightly, from 114 MPGe combined for the 24-kWh pack to 112 MPGe combined for the new 30-kWh pack. (MPGe is a measure of how far a car can travel electrically on the same amount of energy as contained in 1 gallon of gasoline.)

The 2016 Leaf uses newer cells with revised chemistry for the electrode material that increases power density. Each pack still holds 192 cells, but newly-designed modules contain eight cells each, rather than four as in the existing battery.

The drivetrain is otherwise unchanged, with an 80-kilowatt (107-horsepower) electric motor producing 187 lb-ft of torque driving the front wheels.

Other changes for the 2016 model year include enhancements to the Leaf's infotainment system, intended to improve connectivity and make the system more user-friendly for drivers, as well as three new paint colors.

Also included are not only mobile apps but also Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, HD radio, and SiriusXM Travel Link for real-time data on weather, fuel prices, movie listings, stock info, and sports (Note that a subscription to SiriusXM is required, sold separately).

Nissan says that the graphics on the menu screens, and the process of customizing user settings, have been improved--and that charging information is now auto-updated whenever the Leaf is switched on, and after every 12 miles of driving.

In addition, the new graphic interface on the center screen has been redesigned better readability, and an improved system for voice recognition that includes a beam-forming microphone.

While the new 2016 Leaf rises to the top of the range ratings for electric cars under $40,000, you can view it as a trial balloon for the second-generation Leaf, which will have a much longer range yet.